ImpImpact Connection

September 2021

Welcome to Impact Connection! This monthly email will share stories about our our high impact grants, offer information about the important issues surrounding the nonprofits, and connect you to the organizations and leaders making a difference in our community.

In Case You Missed It

Coffee & Conversation with 2021 Grant Finalists

Accent Pontiac, Brilliant Detroit, and LifeBuilders

The impact of a community space for Freedom House Detroit

Impact100 Metro Detroit had a chance to visit with the three 2021 Grant Award Finalists last week. Often, even a smaller grant award can start what 2020 awardee Micah Six called the "snowball effect," which results in greater recognition, more publicity, and additional grant opportunities from other organizations. In case you missed it, each finalist had a chance to share with us how they are using their award to further their missions.

Click on the link to listen to the discussion.

Impact100 MD Members

Visit Micah 6 and Hope Against Trafficking

Micah 6 Community, recipient of our 2020 grant for their garden expansion, has launched an exciting project. They purchased the 100+ year old Webster Elementary building and will be renovating it to create the Webster Community Center. This neighborhood hub will house several much needed nonprofit organizations including a health care clinic, an adult education program, a transportation center, a coffee shop, and children's programming from 2021 grant finalist Accent Pontiac among others. The renovation project will take well over a year to complete, and bring the building back to its former glory. The photos at left are interior and exterior shots of the building. When it was built it was state of the art, with exterior windows in every classroom to let the outside in, and an entirely glass ceiling in the gym which will be completely restored (see top photo for reference). This project is truly life-changing for the community.

While we were in the neighborhood, Hope Against Trafficking invited us to visit one of their recently renovated homes, created to provide a safe place for victims of trafficking as they regain control over their lives. The home has everything the women need, including individual bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and a gathering space. The backyard patio, an oasis in the heart of the city, offered our Impact100 MD group a lovely place to share food, drinks and enthusiasm about the work both Micah 6 and Hope Against Trafficking are doing to transform their community.

Read for Impact

We have two books clubs to support women as philanthropic leaders.

Open to all! Share with your network and invite a friend!

Smart Women Finish Rich

by David Bach

Every Other Wednesday, September 22 to November 17, 12 - 1 pm

Whether you are just getting started in your investment life, looking to manage your own money, or you work closely with a financial advisor, this book will transform your relationship with money and provide you with the tools to take control of your financial future.

Women ARE investors and women ARE philanthropists. By enhancing our personal finance skills, we can determine how best to make a difference in our community. Discussions led by Impact member Cathy Gearing, CFP.

Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

by Melinda Gates

Every Tuesday, October 5 - October 26, 7 - 8 pm

How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings - and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity. In this moving and compelling New York Times bestseller, Melinda shares lessons she's learned from the inspiring people she's met during her work and travels around the world.

As she writes in the introduction, 'That is why I had to write this book - to share the stories of people who have given focus and urgency to my life. I want all of us to see ways we can lift women up where we live.' Conversations will be led by Impact member and past president Amy Bouque.

Helping Refugees

This month's Coffee & Conversation gathering will bring us together (virtually) with those in our community who are committed to helping refugees. With a focus on those coming here from Afghanistan amid the human rights crisis in that country, leaders from Zaman International and Freedom House Detroit will speak to us about what they are doing and how we can help.

Join Us September 23 at 9 AM

Grantee Events

Developing K.I.D.S.

Bling & Designer Bag Bingo

Friday, September 10

6:00 - 8:00 pm

St. Suzanne Cody Rouge, Detroit

Brilliant Detroit

5th Annual Benefit

Thursday, September 23

6:00 - 7:00 pm

(virtual or in person)

Zaman International

12th annual 5K run/walk

Saturday, September 18

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Ford Field Park in Dearborn

Accent Pontiac

4th annual Green Bucket Run

Saturday, November 6

9:00 am

Kirk in the Hills

Help Our Grantees

Downtown Boxing Gym (2017 grant recipient) is in urgent need of van drivers. This is a great job or volunteer opportunity for a retiree. DBG is offering a $200 signing bonus and you can apply online .

Please share with your network.

Zaman International is ramping up efforts to provide relief to those impacted by the tragedies unfolding in Afghanistan, Haiti, and Lebanon. With so many suffering through life-altering events, it is going to take an extraordinary response to meet the increased need. Donations are needed for refugee families - both monetary contributions and basic need items (clothing, hygiene kids, cleaning supplies) are welcome.

Click HERE to help.

Nominate a Michigan Hero

Each day in the great state of Michigan, citizens and organizations are changing lives and solving community challenges. The MI Heroes Campaign was created to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a difference for Michigan and its residents. The Michigan Community Service Commission has created the Michigan Heroes Project, which seeks to unite our state and recognize heroic efforts during the pandemic that have transformed lives and inspire everyone to serve others.

Nominate a hero today.

I100 MD is a Proud Member of the Following Organizations

impact100metrodetroit.org